Professor Robert Young FHEA

Research overview

My primary focus throughout my research has been on the nascent field of Quantum Information Processing. Currently quantum cryptography, the exploitation of the laws of quantum mechanics to guarantee secure communication, is the only commercial QIP application to exploit individual quanta. In this regard QIP is little more developed than digital communication was following the invention of Morse code. I think that QIP will change the role of information in our lives, in much the same way that digital information has.

Please visit QuantumBase.com for information about the commercialisation of my research.

PhD supervision

We are seeking a PhD student for a project that combines cutting edge material science, quantum physics and information security, to drive a major evolution in physical security systems. Recently-discovered two-dimensional materials, with extraordinary physical properties extending well beyond those of graphene alone, will be the active component in the devices studied. They act as a near ideal interface between light and electronics, allowing information exchange between the two with unprecedented fidelity. The elegant access to quantum mechanics afforded by these devices will be applied to securing connections between the devices making up the Internet of Things, which are predicted to exceed 50 billion in just a few years.
In this experimental project you will be trained to use state-of-the-art facilities in the Quantum Technology Centre at Lancaster to test develop quantum security devices using graphene-like materials incorporated into photonic devices. You will be taught to use nano-fabrication tools to prepare the devices for integration with embedded systems. Working with a GCHQ-backed centre of excellence in cyber security you will test the devices you create. The far-reaching goal of this project is for you to commercialise the technology through a spin-out company, Quantum Base, which focuses on quantum security systems.
Please email me or see qopto.com/join/ for more details.